Harvest Time.
“Then I looked, and behold, a white cloud, and sitting on the cloud was one like a son of man, with a golden crown on His head and a sharp sickle in His hand. And another angel came out of the temple, calling out with a loud voice to Him who sat on the cloud, “Put in your sickle and reap, for the hour to reap has come, because the harvest of the earth is ripe.” Then He who sat on the cloud swung His sickle over the earth, and the earth was reaped. – Revelation 14:14-16. NASB
The spectre of death haunts every human being. We hope against hope that an exception might be made in our case, but as the years go by, we increasingly realize the limitations that death places upon our lives. Today, more than ever, we need a foretaste of the blessedness he has promised in Revelation.
When all is said and done in the Book, everything ends up with the Son of Man, Jesus. He is the Lamb, the Bright and Morning Star, the Ruler of the Kings of the Earth. But in a secular, post-modern world people want to know why they should follow Jesus in the midst of all the excitement and distractions of life. The following may help to put things into perspective.
If I gave you a quiz on famous events, sporting personalities, or politicians – chances are you wouldn’t be able to answer one question. The shocking thing is that none of these events or people occurred on the sidelines. The answers to the questions I would ask filled headlines all over the country. We are not talking about ordinary people. And yet most of us have already forgotten them. Why? Because, as famous as they may have been, what they did didn’t truly change our lives. Their achievements made the headlines but did not make a difference over time. However, if I asked you about people who have been meaningful, or made a difference in your life you could rattle off names and reasons.
That’s why the Book of Revelation is so obsessed with Jesus.
For nearly two thousand years, no one has made more of a difference in this world than Jesus. Through His death, resurrection, and heavenly reign He has changed the world and changed my life. I may care about who will win the state of origin this year, but Jesus is the one that will still matter to me ten years from now. If you are spending time with this book we are reflecting on, you probably know what I’m talking about.
We have had the Three Angels Messages of V6-12. This was God’s last warning message to the world in the Spirit and Power of Elijah. Now there are another 3 angels.
The “son of man” sitting on a cloud (Rev 14:14) represents the Second Coming of Jesus. Although terms like wheat or grain are not used here, the language implies a grain harvest. Later in the chapter (14:17-20) there is a grape harvest, with the subsequent juicing of the grapes. The grain harvest of this text represents the gathering up of the righteous to be with Jesus. Symbolically, they are “the 144,000 who had been redeemed from the earth” (Rev14:3). They are “the great multitude, which no man could number, from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and tongues…” Rev.6:9.
This verse reminds me of when Jesus was on trial before the Sanhedrin and Caiaphas asked Him directly if He were the Son of God or not (Matt 26: 63-65) . In answering Jesus quoted Daniel 7:13 about the coming of the Son of man. The title “Son of Man” comes from the book of Daniel. Caiaphas knew exactly what He was claiming and tore His robes (which was illegal for the High Priest) and accused him of Blasphemy. Revelation 1:7 indicates that Caiaphas will now witness what Revelation 14:14 is indicating – the coming of the Son of Man for judgment. Can you imagine this moment for those who spat on Him, struck Him, and slapped Him. Not only they, but all who have done this metaphorically down through the ages.
And, Ross, all He did for us with unwavering love but incredible risk. Blessings to you and many thanks.
Amen, and thank you for your comment.